“Why hasn’t he arrived yet?” Mu Xi Yao got up this morning buzzing with excitement, fidgeting restlessly on Zong Zheng Lin’s lap, eagerly awaiting Wei Zhen’s report.

“Eat your meal properly!” Zong Zheng Lin scowled. This woman had been talking about another man while still in bed and hadn’t stopped since, greatly infuriating the Sixth Highness.

“Are you saying that Lady Mu gained the upper hand over He Lian Min Min again?” He Lian Wei Rui, dressed elegantly, looked markedly different from her last appearance of an aloof beauty, her eyes reflecting a refined elegance. Seated cross-legged in the sedan chair on her way to the Flower-viewing Banquet, she listened to Xue Qin relay the latest news from the Sixth Highness’s residence.

“A servant girl from Lady Qi’s courtyard said that initially, the Principal Consort did not consent, but later, His Sixth Highness himself made a visit. The following day, the Chief Steward had sought several renowned master craftsmen to draft some designs.”

Tian Fu Shan wore a peculiar expression as he looked over the list of people Mistress Yao had chosen, individuals who met her expectations.

The list was entirely made up of those who had been screened, fulfilling Mistress Yao’s criteria for the ages of children in their households and their deep loyalty to His Highness. Nearly seventy percent held important positions, either entrusted with critical duties by His Highness or showing potential to be noticed. Yet, Tian Fu Shan simply could not comprehend the rationale behind the selection of the others.

“Mistress, by Shuxiang House, do you mean that place outside…” Qiang San’er wiped the sweat from his forehead, unable to finish his sentence. How could he let such vulgar words reach his Mistress’s ears? For a moment, this impressive man, over 1.8 meters tall, suddenly found himself at a loss, showing a hint of embarrassment.

“Male brothel.” Mu Xi Yao, amused, finished the sentence for him.

“Wei Rui, even if you were intent on entering the Eighth Highness’s residence, you should have discussed it with the family before making any decisions.” He Lian Zhang’s demeanor was cold as he looked at the daughter who had once been his greatest pride, sighing in resignation within his heart. 

Following the news received from His Highness, they carried out a secret purge within the household, which uncovered three spies from two dynasties. Although He Lian residence was now clean, this daughter had been indirectly alienated and could no longer be of use to the He Lian clan. 

“Your Highness, are you saying that the Eighth Prince has sought the Imperial Noble Consort to ask for He Lian Wei Rui?” Mu Xi Yao’s eyes widened, her long lashes fluttering as she gazed at the person, caught off guard by the sudden development.

Would Zong Zheng Han, without any apparent reason, ask for a woman well-known for her admiration for Zong Zheng Lin? Mu Xi Yao was quite skeptical of his limited broad-mindedness. That man, the mere thought of whom made her uncomfortable, wouldn’t consider accepting He Lian Wei Rui unless there were sufficient benefits. He was not the type to suffer a disadvantage or to appear inferior to Zong Zheng Lin in the eyes of others without justification.

“Miss He Lian, don’t you think that joking about such a matter is too much?” Zong Zheng Han’s eyes were cold. How could the affair of the phoenix stick be spoken so lightly?

“Your Highness need not be angered. No matter how bold this humble one may be, she would not bring deceit before Your Highness.” Indeed, this man was not ordinary. His tone was stern, yet the fleeting sharp glint in his eyes did not escape her notice.

Having ambition was even better; at least it confirmed that she had not entrusted her faith to the unworthy.

“Yu Ying, which family’s daughter is this young lady?” Instead of directly asking the person lying on the bed, who was still visibly shaken, Mu Xi Yao turned to inquire Di Wu Yu Ying.

“She is the third miss of Fengtian Prefecture’s Cheng House, Huo Xiu Jun.”